An Angus man who sent a vicious text branding his heavily pregnant ex-partner a “twisted bitch” has been fined by a sheriff.
Paul Kelly was told by a sheriff his behaviour last month was “completely unacceptable” after he lost the plot over future access to the baby which is due later this month.
Kelly, of Christies Lane, Montrose admitted sending messages of an offensive or menacing character to his former girlfriend when he appeared in the dock at Forfar.
His victim was so frightened by the tenor of Kelly’s conduct that she fled to her mother’s house in Aberdeen before calling police.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said the couple had been involved in a short relationship last year, but she discovered she was pregnant with his child after they separated.
“There were ongoing issues regarding the unborn baby and access once the child arrives,” said Ms Drummond.
On March 28 the woman was at home when she received a text from the accused saying that he was going to go to her home and that he wouldn’t be alone.
“She felt threatened by this and travelled to Aberdeen to stay with her mother,” added Ms Drummond.
Around 4.30pm the woman received a further text in which Kelly said: “You won’t get away with this, it’s about time you got sorted out you twisted bitch.”
The fiscal added: “She perceived this as threatening and contacted police.”
Defence solicitor Lynne Sturrock said 33-year-old Kelly said the couple had continued to have contact with each other, although they are not in a relationship.
“He has been assisting with paying for things for the unborn child and does wish to be involved,” she said.
“He fully accepts he should not have made the comments he did.
“Part of it seems to be about how access to the child will look once the baby arrives, but he regrets his behaviour,” added Miss Sturrock.
“This was two text messages in one day and he has no intention of coming back before this court. He does have a record, but it is from 12 years ago and is not analogous in terms of domestic offending.
“He is hopeful that if this matter is behind him he can make arrangements once the child arrives later this month.”
Kelly was fined £200.
